Red Lobster’s fluffy Cheddar Bay Biscuits are an iconic appetizer at the popular seafood restaurant chain These warm, cheesy biscuits are brushed with garlic herb butter and have gained a cult-like following among Red Lobster fans
But a common question arises – do these famous biscuits actually contain seafood?
As a seafood-centric restaurant, it’s understandable why some customers wonder if Red Lobster sneaks any fish shrimp or crab into their biscuits. Let’s uncover the truth behind what’s really in those biscuits and why some people think they taste like seafood.
The Straight Answer
According to Red Lobster, their original Cheddar Bay Biscuits do not contain any seafood ingredients. They are made with traditional baking components like flour, butter, garlic, cheese and herbs.
Red Lobster has confirmed multiple times that no shellfish, fish or other seafood is used in the biscuit recipe. So you can enjoy them even if you have a seafood allergy or don’t like fishy flavors.
Examining the Ingredients
Skeptical biscuit lovers may not be convinced by Red Lobster’s claims. So let’s break down the actual Cheddar Bay Biscuit ingredients:
- Enriched bleached wheat flour
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Cheddar cheese
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Baking powder
- Onion powder
- Malted barley flour
- Soybean oil
- Artificial flavors
- Parsley
As you can see, it’s a pretty standard biscuit dough recipe, with the additions of garlic, cheese and herbs. No sign of fish, lobster, shrimp or other sea creatures.
Red Lobster’s headquarters has published this minimal ingredient list multiple times. So we can rest assured that the biscuits are seafood-free.
Why Do People Detect Seafood Flavors?
With definitive proof that Red Lobster biscuits contain zero seafood, why do some customers insist they taste briny or fishy notes? There are a few reasons we might perceive seafood flavors:
Garlic Butter – The melted garlic butter brushed on top resembles the butter sauces served with lobster and shrimp. Our brain associates the buttery garlic flavor with seafood seasonings.
Power of Suggestion – Dining at a seafood restaurant subconsciously primes us to expect seafood flavors, even when they aren’t present.
MSG – Added for umami flavor, MSG can impart a subtle meaty, briny or seafood-like taste.
Aged Cheddar – The cheese lends salty, umami notes that we may interpret as fish or shellfish essence.
So although the biscuit itself is 100% seafood-free, our perception is tricked by flavors we associate with seafood!
Specialty Biscuit Varieties
While the original biscuit contains no seafood, Red Lobster sometimes releases special seasonal biscuits that do incorporate seafood:
- Lobster and Langostino Biscuits
- Shrimp Scampi Biscuits
These varieties blend seafood right into the biscuit dough or bake it on top. For instance, the Lobster and Langostino Biscuits contain chunks of lobster and langostino crab.
However, the core traditional Cheddar Bay recipe remains seafood-less. Red Lobster is careful to differentiate these specialty biscuits from the classic.
Enjoy Red Lobster Biscuits Guilt-Free
So rest assured that Red Lobster’s beloved Cheddar Bay Biscuits are completely seafood-free. You can enjoy unlimited warm biscuits with your meal without a trace of fishy flavor.
Next time you’re digging into these irresistible biscuits, you don’t have to wonder “do Red Lobster biscuits have seafood?” The answer is a definitive no! Savor the garlicky, cheesy goodness of these famous biscuits without any lingering doubts about secret seafood lurking within.
Is Red Lobster Still An Iconic Seafood Restaurant? Are The Cheddar Bay Biscuits Overhyped?
FAQ
Does Red Lobster biscuit mix have shellfish?
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix. This product is likely Shellfish Free.
Does Red Lobster use real seafood?
Whether it’s hauled in from the icy Bering Sea or harvested in the warm waters of the Caribbean, all of our seafood is sourced with integrity. Learn more about what it takes to get it from the source to your plate.
Does Red Lobster have non seafood items?
Red Lobster is for more than just the “seafood lover in you.” In what the company bills as its “most comprehensive menu transformation in brand history,” Red Lobster’s new menu launched Monday includes salads, pasta, chicken and pork. (NY Strip Steaks were already part of the menu.)
What are the allergens in Red Lobster cheddar biscuits?
Allergen Info
Contains Wheat and Their Derivatives,Soybean and its Derivatives,Milk and its derivates. May contain Eggs and their derivates,Tree Nuts and Their Derivatives.
What are Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are biscuits originally made by the Red Lobster seafood chain, originally named ‘freshly baked hot cheese garlic bread’. They were later renamed Cheddar Bay Biscuits five years later as a nod to the seaside ambiance of the restaurants.
What to eat with Red Lobster biscuits?
Given the Red Lobster origins, it’s only fitting to enjoy their famous biscuits alongside fresh seafood. The biscuits complement the sweet delicateness of shrimp, crab, and lobster beautifully. Try dipping the biscuits in any leftover butter or juices on your platter
Are Cheddar Bay biscuits a Red Lobster copycat recipe?
The Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe is a Red Lobster copycat. It is packed with cheesy flavor in a soft biscuit topped with melted butter, parsley and a touch of garlic. Anyone who has dined at Red Lobster will have tried the Homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and this recipe will be a hit at your dinner table every time!
Does Red Lobster have a copycat recipe?
Red Lobster keeps their recipe a closely guarded secret, but there are many “copycat” recipes available online that come quite close using common pantry ingredients! Most incorporate basic ingredients like biscuit mix, butter, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and parsley. How many calories are in one Cheddar Bay biscuit?
Are Red Lobster biscuits vegan?
Traditional Red Lobster biscuits contain dairy products like cheddar cheese and buttermilk, so they can’t be made completely vegan or dairy-free without substitutions. However, dairy-free swaps could potentially yield a similar biscuit. Do the biscuits contain trans fat?
Are Red Lobster biscuits low carb?
Red Lobster biscuits are not low carb. They are made with flour, butter, a leavening agent, and seasoning. However, using a low carb flour based baking mix can help make a similar biscuit that is both low carb and delicious.